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Epidermis:composed of stratified squamous epithelium, in which five distinct layers can be identified.•Stratum basale or stratum germinativum: presence of mitotically active cells, the stem cells of the epidermis•Stratum spinosum, or spinous layer or prickle cell layer: characteristic light microscopic appearance of short processes extending from cell to cell•Stratum granulosum: numerous intensely staining granules•Stratum lucidum, which is limited to thick skin and considered a subdivision of the stratum corneum•Stratum corneum, which is composed of keratinized cells.Cells of epidermisFour different types of cells in the epidermis:A)Keratinocytes : highly specialized epithelial cells for the separation of the organism from its external environment.B)Melanocytes: the pigment-producing cells of the epidermis.C)Langerhans’ cells: the antigen-presenting cells involved in signaling in the immune system.D)Merkel’s cells : are the sensitive mechanoreceptor cells associated with sensory nerve endings.
